Applications of Generative Artificial Intelligence in the Software Industry

The increasing demands on software development are putting serious pressure on its pace. To assist software developers, an increasing number of tools powered by generative artificial intelligence are being introduced. This paper aims to investigate how the use and integration of generative AI have evolved among professionals in the software industry, based on a study involving 104 individuals working in Bulgarian software companies. Data was collected in April 2024 through an online questionnaire with four separate groups of questions related to the use of generative AI at work. The study found that 2/3 of the respondents use generative AI actively in their daily work. They highly value the practical benefits of this type of technology, which most often consist of automating routine activities, accessing information quickly, generating initial code, and writing documentation. As a result of these benefits, developers are increasingly moving towards using generative AI at the expense of professional support platforms. The main benefits they cite include faster solutions, more specific and relevant answers, and significantly shorter time to reach the desired outcome.